Dillas take last two games of series

The Dillas remained alive in the hunt for the United League Baseball first-half title by beating Alexandria, 6-2, on Sunday evening before 4,627 fans in the Amarillo National Bank Dilla Villa.

The Dillas backed their 23-hit, 13-5 Saturday night win against Alexandria with 10 hits and strong pitching Sunday. The total attendance for the two games was 8,906.

"We want to win it,'' the Dillas' Danny Bravo said. "When you put everything together, the game is going to pay you back. Right now, we don't have to worry about scoring runs."

Amarillo improved to 15-17, and with 18 games remaining in the first half sit 3½ games behind first-place Edinburg. The Dillas have yet to put together a three-game winning streak but have that chance Tuesday at Laredo.

Amarillo 6, Alexandria 2

Records: Amarillo is 15-17. Alexandria is 16-17.

Impact: Amarillo wins two in a row for the fourth time this season.

Next Game: Amarillo at Laredo, 7:05 p.m. Tuesday.

"I like the way things are shaping up,'' Dillas manager Buddy Biancalana said. "Charlie (Griffin) threw a great game Saturday night. We are pitching and hitting well, and our defense has gotten better. The team that gets on a roll (during the last 18 games) will win it. I expect us to be the team."

Here's how the game played out:

Why the Dillas Won

Alexandria's first two hitters in the first inning scored, and the next 30 didn't.

Dillas starter Kyle Allen (2-1) pitched into the sixth to get the win, while relievers Drew Jackson and Nick Burger were dominant in combining for four innings, no walks, one hit and no runs.

Amarillo's 10 hits stretched its streak of 10-hit games to five.

Amarillo tied the game in the second on doubles by Bravo and Jonathan Reynoso, then took the lead for good in the fifth on a two-out, run-scoring single by Justin Wenger.

Nick Shay and Bravo led the way with two RBIs each.

Alexandria Chatter

This was the 10th game of the Alexandria-Amarillo season series, and the Aces lead 6-4 despite the Dillas' two weekend wins. Alexandria is one-half game ahead of the Dillas in the standings.

Three Stars of the Game

1. Amarillo Reliever Jackson: Biancalana called on the lefty in the sixth inning with the Dillas ahead 3-2. Alexandria had no outs and runners at first and second. Jackson struck out two and ended the inning with a foulout, allowing one hit, no runs and striking out four in 2 2/3 innings.

2. Amarillo Catcher Justin Wenger: Wenger had two hits and a stolen base. His second single of the game in the fifth inning was a two-out hit to right field that scored Jonathan Reynoso with the go-ahead run.

3. Amarillo First Baseman Bravo: Bravo continues to be Mr. Versatile for the Dillas. Bravo played first base Sunday night and has played every position but right field and pitcher this year. Bravo extended his hitting streak to 11 with two hits, including a two-run homer to right field in the eighth inning that gave the Dillas a four-run lead.

What the Box Score Won't Say

Dillas third baseman Gary Schneidmiller made a leaping, one-handed catch of a line drive off the bat of Selwyn Langaigne to end the fifth inning. The best defensive play of this three-game series saved a run, and Amarillo took the lead in its half of the frame.

Schneidmiller flashed more leather in the sixth, making a snow-cone catch of a foul ball near the Dillas' dugout, ending the sixth inning.

The bottom of the fifth saw the wackiest play of the home season. On a sacrifice bunt by shortstop Josh Ashton, Alexandria pitcher Frank James Jr. hustled off the mound to scoop and tag out Ashton halfway up the baseline. But the diving James dropped the ball. James ran back and grabbed the ball and saw Reynoso a little too far off first base. James wheeled and threw a fastball that deflected off field umpire Woody Belle and into right field.

Amarillo's Carlos Figueroa stretched his team-high hitting streak to 12 with a bloop double along the left-field line in the eighth inning. Figueroa entered the eighth 0-for-3.

What Was Said After the Game

Biancalana on Jackson's relief pitching: "He has done a great job for us. You don't wait too long there - early better than late.''

Bravo on Jackson's clutch pitching: "You have to tip your hat to those guys who come in in that situation and do the job like that.''

Bravo on Schneidmiller's defensive gems: "Man, he's a helluva an athlete. It's good to have him on our team."

Biancalana on Bravo's versatility: "It's great to have him. I don't need a backup middle infielder because he's the guy. If I want him to be the third catcher, he's it. I don't need a backup center fielder because he's the guy.''

Bravo on collecting money through the backstop after hitting his home run: "In this league, where nobody makes too much money, we really thank the fans for their support. Hopefully, they will keep doing it."

Circling the Bases

Amarillo continues to dominate the league in attendance. The season gate increased to 48,592 fans over 16 games, an average of 3,037 per game. The next-closest franchise is San Angelo at 2,016. ... Amarillo is 8-8 at home and 7-9 on the road. ... The Dillas will be off today and then open a three-game series at Laredo on Tuesday night. ... The Dillas return home Friday to open an eight-game homestand.